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4-H Electric Presentations

Overview

Electric Presentation Awards are donated by the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives

The purpose of the 4-H Electric Demonstration/ Presentation is to allow participants to demonstrate their knowledge in the area of basic electricity, electric energy, conservation of energy, and other related electrical principles and facts. The demonstration and/or presentation should share knowledge learned from others such as electricians, science teachers, engineers, and professionals who work in the field of electricity.
The demonstration/presentation areas are divided into three age divisions:

Ages: 9 – 10

Ages: 11 – 13

Senior Ages: 14 – 18

Age determined as of January 1st. Contestants are judged according to the North Carolina 4-H Presentation Score Sheet rules and guidelines. You are encouraged to obtain a copy of this form prior to competing in either of the two divisions.

PRESENTATION AWARDS:

District Award: $75 Scholarships to State 4-H Congress for each of the following divisions:

Ages: 9 – 10

Ages: 11 – 13

Ages: 14 – 18

State Award : Gold winners will receive a $50 award in each age division.

Donor of Awards: North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives

Presentations

How to Prepare for the 4-H Electric Presentation or Demonstration

The following information should be useful to you in preparation for the 4-H Electric Presentation. Please use this information as a guide to helping you organize your presentation for competition at the county, district and state levels. This information should serve as a foundation for your presentation as you seek additional supportive materials.

Step I.

Select a topic: Why is this topic important to know about? Who will benefit?

How will others use this information? Is this topic of interest to me?

TOPICS FOR PRESENTATIONS
(These are only a few examples you may use)

Demonstrate LED (Light Emitting Diodes)-

Why do they work?

How do they work?

What are their uses?

Demonstrate and explain how computers use electricity for their operations.

Explain how solar energy is captured, stored and used.

Explain and demonstrate why magnets work.

Explain and demonstrate how energy savings devices operate.

Remember to choose one central theme, develop this theme thoroughly, be familiar with the terminology and
be well informed. This allows you to be prepared for the unexpected.

Step II.

Selection of support materials: Materials used should support your topic.

The following questions should be asked:

Will the judges be able to see my posters, wire, tools, etc?

Do I know the proper way to use these tools?

What references were used?

Additional Topics For Presentations (These are only a few examples you may use):

Showing valance, cornice lights for home

Extension cord repair or construction

Portable heat-lamp holder for brooding chicks, pigs, and drying paint

Unusual lamp (coke can, etc.)

Care and maintenance of electric motors

Portable floodlight for outdoor use, games, etc.

Explain and demonstrate how to read a meter

Explain and demonstrate wire sizes, volts, amps, and watts

How to replace blown fuses and their purpose

Explain and demonstrate what a circuit is (series & parallel)

Explain, demonstrate, and make electromagnet (telegraph or bell, etc.)

Make a model house or farmstead with lights or wiring to buildings

Show how to reverse direction of electric motor

Construct a model hotbed

Show how to protect water pipes from freezing with heating tapes, etc.

If it’s an item (thing) — tell how it works – show how it’s put together or disassembled

What are its properties? durability, water resistant, etc.

Is it special in some way — has it got several uses or is it recyclable? Does it need special care and maintenance etc.?

What are the do’s and don’ts to consider when you are making, using or discarding the item.

A story has a conclusion

Sums up what you want people to understand or have learned.

Acknowledge those who helped you prepare your information or state where you got your information from.

Some basic presentation tips

If you are well prepared than there is no reason not to enjoy showing others what you know.

Organize everything up front. Collect tools and parts needed and put them in the order of its use this way you can’t forget a step. Make sure your poster information is in steps so you and your audience can follow along easily.

Tools/object parts and posters are props. They can help you keep focused during your presentation. When using items like tools make sure they are in working order. If it’s a poster make sure it can be read from a distance.

Don’t try to explain every little thing. Remember you only have 5- 10 minutes.

Speak clearly and slowly – Don’t be too loud or soft. Be sure the audience can hear you and if you are not sure ask them. Remember presentations and demonstrations are just friendly conversations between you and some other people.

If you use a word that others may not understand like a name of a tool or an electrical procedure explain it to them quickly.

Do make eye contact with all members of your audience because it makes them feel like you are very interested in talking to them.

Do move around remember you are not a stiff statue. Do use hand gestures.

Do allow the audience to ask questions at the end of your presentation.

Don’t read your presentation. You can use short notes, but reading a presentation gets difficult for your audience to follow plus you are not making eye contact. Remember if you are prepared the information flows easily.

Do practice your presentation with a partner or in front of the mirror. A little practice never hurts…

Do remember to thank your audience and those that helped you with your presentation.

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